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The origin and nature of the half-orcs is unknown. Back in the First Age, Men could under the domination of Morgoth or his agents be reduced to a savage stage, and it was possible to mate with Orcs, producing stronger and larger Orcs, or vile and cunning Men.[5]

Apparently Saruman learned or rediscovered this in the Third Age and bred Half-orcs and Goblin-men who served him.[5][6]

Concerning the origin of the half-orcs, J.R.R. Tolkien suggested late in his life that:

It became clear in time that undoubted Men could under the domination of Morgoth or his agents in a few generations be reduced almost to the Orc-level of mind and habits; and then they would or could be made to mate with Orcs, producing new breeds, often larger and more cunning. There is no doubt that long afterwards, in the Third Age, Saruman rediscovered this, or learned of it in lore, and in his lust for mastery committed this, his wickedest deed: the interbreeding of Orcs and Men, producing both Men-orcs large and cunning, and Orc-men treacherous and vile.—[5]

Half-orcs were categorized as one of the varieties of Orc-kind, along with orcs, goblins, and Uruks. Half-orc Bandits were found in the Lone-lands.[10] They were affiliated with Saruman and could be found in almost every region he had influence in. His half-orcs in Eriador included many in Dunland, Enedwaith, Eregion, the Lone-lands, and Andrath in Bree-land. A small number of half-orcs could be found as far as Nan Gurth in Angmar. His half-orcs also could be found in Rohan as far east as the Sutcrofts in the Eastemnet.